How to Read Your Motorhome’s Operating Manual

Motorhomes are one of the most comfortable and exciting ways to see the wonders of Alberta. No matter where you live most of the year, motorhomes can take you from Calgary or Edmonton to Banff National Park without having to give up the comforts you’re used to. But, just as you wouldn’t head out on the road without looking at a map first, you shouldn’t start using your motorhome without thoroughly reading the operating manual, which is a kind of map for the safe use of your home on the road.

Modern motorhomes have the benefits and responsibilities of both a car and a home. They have components of both and are therefore extremely complicated. It can be tough to know which information in your operating manual is or isn’t important, but here are some tips on the information you’ll find there and why it’s important.

Safety recommendations

The safety of you and your loved ones is the most important part of any trip. Perhaps the most essential information to be found in your operating manual is the safety information. Because there are so many components to a modern motorhome, safety can be complicated. Your manual will have all the information you need to do the job right. A few important safety concerns are:

Tire maintenance

Electrical systems

Propane gas systems

Safely setting up your motorhome at your destination

Plumbing systems

Towing procedures

How to use everything

Depending on which class or model of motorhome you’ve chosen, there may be different kinds of appliances or functions available to you. Your motorhome may include televisions, dishwashers, or even some features you didn’t know about. To get the full use out of your home, be sure to read about everything that your motorhome can do in your manual.

Warranty

Motorhomes are made to last. The people who construct them know you expect a lot from your investment. That being said, even the toughest machines sometimes have a problem that you can’t handle without some help. All the warranty information for your motorhome can be found in your operating manual, including a detailed explanation of what your and your dealer’s responsibilities are.

Here at Happy Trails RV, we understand that helping our customers doesn’t end when a sale is made. We’re committed to helping you get the most out of your motorhomes through our RV service and parts departments as well as our participation in the RV Care network so you can get help throughout Alberta and the rest of Canada. Contact us today to find out more about the motorhome lifestyle.